IN OUR SCHOOLS SEE WHAT’S GOING ON IN AREA DISTRICTS
Drug and alcohol abuse and bad decision-making are not limited by ZIP codes. They are prevalent in big cities and small towns, in industry, in government and in schools. While we want to insulate our students from these dangers, we know we can’t. We must develop ways to help them navigate the world, as messy as it may be, so they can be, as our vision statement reads, “ethical decision-makers who achieve their life goals, take responsible risks and contribute to the greater good of the world.”
It used to be kids could escape from the “drama” of their teenage world of friends, boy/girlfriends, gossip, etc., but now with social media and smartphones, there’s never down time. For some kids, it’s literally 24/7/365. Some can handle this type of connectedness. Others can’t, turning to dangerous coping mechanisms like alcohol and drugs.
In Oakwood, one way we are helping students is by creating partnerships. From partnering with parents to partnering with the Safety Department, these collaborations are critical to growing our children. And yes, we are “ganging up” on our kids, but that’s OK if it helps them make good decisions.
Recently, members of our student-led BOLD (Building Our Lives Drug and Alcohol Free) organization took their message to the community. It’s no secret there are parents willing to look the other way when teens drink in their homes, even “hosting” such parties, but it’s not everyone. It’s actually a small percentage of folks, but that small minority puts our students at risk.
Our BOLD members are asking residents to publicly pledge to “not knowingly allow underage alcohol and drug use” in their homes.
Hundreds have already signed a pledge banner at various public events. Students sent these parents BOLD window decals, making it easy for them to publicly demonstrate their commitment.
Another key relationship is with law enforcement. We are conducting safety sweeps in our high school and junior high as a natural extension of our safety plan, using all the resources and best practices possible as a deterrent to bad behavior. It’s just one more reason for students to say no to alcohol and other drugs.
Whether it’s these partnerships or our collaborations with South Community for mental health services, South Suburban Coalition for support in our efforts to help students be alcohol and drug free or other groups, we continue to support our students and our families when they need it but also hold them accountable as called for — tough love is part of love.
We know we can’t do it alone.
We count on parents, community members, first responders, city officials and others to partner with us to raise prepared, proud and poised graduates. As Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.”